Probate Isn't Really About Paperwork.
How to Avoid Probate in California was written to help California families understand what can happen to their home, savings, and other assets when someone dies, and what they can do today to make things easier for the people they love.
In plain English, David Walter, Ph.D. and Rebecca Siddiqui explain probate, wills, living trusts, beneficiary designations, and the practical steps that help turn good intentions into a plan that works.
The documents only matter because of the people. The people you love most.
No legal jargon. No scare tactics. Just plain-English information to help you understand your choices and decide what makes sense for your family.
You don't need to become an estate planning expert.
You simply need to understand enough to make good decisions for the people you love.
Is This Book for You?
Most people who pick up this book find themselves in one of three places.
1. You Have Nothing in Place
Maybe estate planning has been on your list for years. You know you should probably do something, but you're not sure where to begin or even what you really need.
This book will help you understand what can happen when no plan is in place and the choices available to you.
2. You Have a Will
You've already taken an important step.
But you may be surprised to learn that having a will does not necessarily keep your estate out of probate.
This book will help you understand what your will does, what it doesn't do, and why some Texas families choose to add a living trust to their estate plan.
3. You Already Have a Living Trust
You've taken another important step—but there's another question worth asking:
Will the trust actually work the way you intended?
A trust can only accomplish its intended purpose for assets that have been properly coordinated with it. This book will help you understand why trust funding, beneficiary designations, ownership, and implementation matter.
Whichever group you're in, you're not starting from the wrong place.
You're simply starting from where you are today.
The purpose of this book is to help you understand what happens next.
What You'll Learn Inside
How to Avoid Probate in California explains estate-planning ideas in plain English so you can understand what matters, why it matters, and what you may want to do next.
Why Probate Happens
Understand what probate is and why an estate may require court involvement.
What a Will Can, and Cannot Do
Learn what a will accomplishes and why having one does not necessarily avoid probate.
How a Living Trust Can Help
Understand the purpose of a revocable living trust and how it fits into your family’s plan.
Why Signing the Trust Isn’t the Finish Line
Learn why creating the documents is only part of the job, and why coordinating your assets with your plan matters.
Planning for Incapacity
Understand why choosing the right people and giving them appropriate authority matters while you’re still alive.
How Different Assets Transfer
Explore why homes, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance need different considerations.
Helping Your Family Know What to Do
Consider how clear instructions, accessible documents, and conversations with the people you choose can reduce confusion.
If something happened to you unexpectedly, would the people you love know what to do next?
Ask about this book at your local bookstore or library.
You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Today.
Start with understanding your choices. Take the next step when you’re ready.
Ready to Go One Step Further?
Reading the book can help you understand your choices.
If you’d like help looking at where your family is today and what your next step could be, we invite you to schedule a:
Complimentary 60-Minute Family Legacy Review™
No pressure. No obligation.
Just a conversation designed to help you understand where you are, what you may want to consider, and what your next step could be.
SCHEDULE MY FAMILY LEGACY REVIEW
If something happened to you unexpectedly, how would you want things to go for your family?
Let’s start there.
Ask about this book at your local bookstore or library.
You Don't Have to Figure It All Out Today.
$14.99 (Paperback)
Ready to Go One Step Further?
Reading the book can help you understand your choices.
But at some point, understanding needs to become action.
If you'd like help looking at where your family is today and what your next step could be, we invite you to schedule a:
Complimentary 60-Minute Family Legacy Review™
No pressure. No obligation.
Just a conversation designed to help you understand where you are, what you may want to consider, and what your next step could be.